Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Sesame — Recipe

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Sesame

Quick • Bold • Restaurant-style — ready in under 25 minutes.

This Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Sesame is the kind of dish that grabs your senses instantly—bold heat, vibrant colors, and that irresistible wok hei aroma. It’s fast, fiery, and full of personality, delivering restaurant-level flavor in under 25 minutes.

✅️ Ingredients & Their Roles

🔹️ Beef & Marinade

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1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced ◾️ Creates tender, juicy strips perfect for high-heat cooking.

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1 tbsp soy sauce ◾️ Adds savory umami and seasons the beef.

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1 tsp cornstarch ◾️ Helps keep the beef moist and makes the sauce cling better.

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1 tsp sesame oil ◾️ Adds rich, nutty aroma to the meat.

🔹️ Vegetables

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1 red bell pepper, sliced ◾️ Adds sweetness and color.

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1 yellow or green bell pepper, sliced ◾️ Provides crisp-tender contrast.

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3 green onions, chopped ◾️ Brightens the dish with fresh flavor.

🔹️ Stir-Fry Sauce

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2 tbsp soy sauce ◾️ Builds the savory base.

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1 tbsp oyster sauce ◾️ Adds depth and glossy texture.

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1 tbsp rice vinegar ◾️ Balances the richness with acidity.

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1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce ◾️ Gives the signature spicy kick.

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1 tbsp brown sugar or honey ◾️ Softens the heat and boosts caramelization.

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1 tbsp water ◾️ Controls sauce thickness so it coats evenly.

🔹️ For Cooking & Garnish

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2–3 tbsp high-heat oil (vegetable, peanut, or canola) ◾️ Ensures quick searing without smoking too fast.

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1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds ◾️ Adds nutty crunch and aroma.

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Chili flakes (optional) ◾️ For extra heat if desired.

✅️ Step-by-Step Instructions

➡️ 1.

Prep the Beef
👉 Slice the beef thinly against the grain and mix with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil. ◾️ Rest 10–15 minutes for tenderness and velvety texture.
➡️ 2.

Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
👉 In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey, and 1 tbsp water. ◾️ Set aside.
➡️ 3.

Heat the Wok
👉 Heat your wok or large skillet on high until nearly smoking, then add 2–3 tbsp high-heat oil. ◾️ High heat creates authentic sear and wok hei.
➡️ 4.

Sear the Beef
👉 Add the beef in a single layer; let it sear for about 30 seconds before stirring. Cook 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside. ◾️ Searing locks flavor and keeps beef tender.
➡️ 5.

Cook the Vegetables
👉 Add a little more oil if needed, toss in the bell peppers and stir-fry 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the green onions during the last 30 seconds. ◾️ Keeps veggies bright and crunchy.
➡️ 6.

Combine Everything
👉 Return the beef to the wok, pour in the prepared sauce, and toss until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating every piece. ◾️ Finish on high heat for a few seconds to concentrate flavors.
➡️ 7.

Garnish & Serve
👉 Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional chili flakes. Serve immediately for best texture.

✅️ Why This Recipe Is Loved

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Fast — Ready in under 25 minutes.
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Flavor-packed — A perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
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Restaurant-quality texture — Thanks to proper slicing and marinating.
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Easily customizable — Adjust heat or swap vegetables to taste.

✅️ Pro Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

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Slice beef thinly — Partially freeze for 10–15 minutes to make slicing easier and more consistent.
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Use very high heat — Authentic wok flavor comes from quick, high-temperature searing (wok hei).
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Avoid overcrowding — Cook in batches if your pan isn’t large enough; overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
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Prep everything first — Stir-frying moves fast; have all ingredients measured and ready.

✅️ Serving Suggestions

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Steamed jasmine rice — Perfect for soaking up the spicy-sesame sauce.
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Stir-fried noodles or rice noodles — Turn it into a one-pan noodle meal.
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Sesame cucumber salad — Adds a cool, refreshing contrast.
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Drizzle Sriracha — For diners who want extra heat.

✅️ Conclusion

This Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Sesame is fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its bold heat, vibrant vegetables, and glossy sesame sauce, it brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen using simple steps and everyday ingredients. A guaranteed weeknight favorite—easy to master and impossible to resist.